Superintendent's Letter to the Class of 2026
Superintendent's Letter to the Class of 2026
Dear Westonka High School Class of 2026,
Congratulations!
It is a privilege to celebrate this remarkable class. As the first graduating class to walk across the stage under the name Westonka High School, you are part of something both new and deeply rooted. You have carried forward a proud legacy while also helping to usher in a new chapter.
Being “the first” comes with a special responsibility. It means stepping into something not yet fully defined, and shaping it for those who follow. During your time at Westonka, the Class of 2026 has done exactly that.
You have seen where this school has come from, and you have helped guide where it’s going through your actions, leadership, and example.
It’s not hard to find examples of excellence in this class.
You earned state and national accolades in academics. During your time at Westonka, the district was named the No. 1 traditional school district in Minnesota by SchoolDigger, and the high school earned a Top 10 ranking from U.S. News & World Report. Fifteen members of the Class of 2026 were recognized by the College Board in 2025 for outstanding achievement on Advanced Placement exams, with more recognitions still to come this summer. You have also earned individual and team academic awards that reflect your hard work and commitment to excellence.
You led with purpose. Members of this class served in Student Senate and National Honor Society, took on state leadership roles, and welcomed younger students to the school through Link Crew. You gave back to your community through mentorship, service, and everyday acts of leadership that strengthened your school community. Through food drives, blood drives, service projects and countless volunteer efforts, you showed what it means to lead with compassion and care for others. Many of you represented your school on committees and at leadership conferences across the state and beyond.
You challenged yourself beyond the school day. Forty-four members of your class competed at state DECA this year, and 19 moved on to DECA Internationals. Others represented Westonka at state and national competitions in speech, robotics and Math League, demonstrating creativity, collaboration and innovation.
You also excelled in the arts and on the stage. You inspired audiences through concerts, musicals, and performances. You participated in regional concerts and festivals, and represented Westonka in honor bands and ensembles - including a memorable trip to New York. Your talents earned Spotlight Awards for musical theater, while student artists received awards and exhibition honors at regional and state art festivals.
In athletics, you demonstrated perseverance, grit and school pride. You’ve pulled off miracle upsets, record-setting performances and unforgettable moments of teamwork and determination. Members of this class represented Westonka at state in dance, gymnastics, swim and dive, wrestling, golf, tennis, and track and field. This graduating class also includes the school’s first girls wrestler and a three-time state champion boys wrestler.
Being “the first” comes with a special responsibility. It means stepping into something not yet fully defined, and shaping it for those who follow. During your time at Westonka, the Class of 2026 has done exactly that.
Just as importantly, you have shown great resilience. You navigated challenges both in and out of the classroom. You persevered through academic obstacles and tough losses on the field or court. You supported one another through difficult moments, including the loss of family and friends who meant so much. You adapted to constant change during construction, adjusting to temporary learning spaces and new routines.
In your senior year especially, you walked familiar hallways as they transformed around you. The bright, open environments and natural light that now fill the school reflect more than a physical change—they signal a renewed sense of energy and possibility for Westonka that your class helped bring to life. Your flexibility, strength, and compassion will carry you far.
Graduating Class of 2026, you leave more than memories. You leave a foundation. The example you have set will shape the experience of every class that follows. Thank you for all that you’ve given to this school and community. We look forward to seeing all that you accomplish in the years ahead.
Wings Up, White Hawks!
Sincerely,
Kevin Borg, Superintendent
Westonka Public Schools